With a government shutdown looming, Congress has released the text of a 1,500-page continuing resolution meant to fund the government until September.
And here we go. https://t.co/5kjC2feSKW pic.twitter.com/MO06xafkiX
— Rep. Mike Collins (@RepMikeCollins) December 17, 2024
Advertisement
The bill, which freezes spending at current levels until March 14, 2025, or until federal appropriations are officially passed through Congress and enacted into law, has been the topic of conversation on Capitol Hill for days as the remaining key legislation to be acted upon before Congress breaks for Christmas.
While the bill does not specify current spending levels, it does extend what is currently enacted through March in an effort to avoid a government shutdown, which was set to happen at the end of this week. This means the funding levels are effectively frozen at the amounts previously enacted for Fiscal Year 2024 under the last appropriations law.
Disaster Aid and Agricultural Support
Along with current levels of government spending, there is also disaster aid and agriculture support written into the bill allocating a total of $30.78 billion to assist farmers, ranchers, and producers impacted by natural disasters in 2023 and 2024.
This funding, according to the legislation, covers losses to crops, livestock, trees, and on-farm infrastructure caused by events such as droughts, wildfires, hurricanes, floods, freezes, and excessive moisture. A significant portion, $2 billion, is specifically reserved to support livestock producers suffering from drought, wildfire, or flood losses.
The bill also allows for block grants to eligible states and territories to distribute assistance, particularly targeting producers of timber, citrus, poultry, and those affected by Mexico’s failure to deliver water under the 1944 Water Treaty.
Advertisement
To keep that additional spending accountable, the bill allocates $7.5 million for oversight and mandates regular reporting to Congress on how funds are distributed. Producers without crop insurance will receive up to 70% of their losses, with exceptions for minimal uninsured portions.
Defense Spending
The bill allocates significant funding to bolster U.S. defense programs, particularly in shipbuilding and national security systems. It provides $5.99 billion for the Columbia Class Submarine program, a cornerstone of the Navy’s strategic deterrence fleet, and an additional $5.69 billion for workforce wage improvements and infrastructure tied to the Virginia Class Submarine and other nuclear-powered vessels.
The bill also includes $913 million for cybersecurity upgrades and risk reduction in national security systems, ensuring America’s defenses remain resilient against modern threats.
When Is the Vote?
House Speaker Mike Johnson’s office has confirmed that the 72-hour rule is in effect, giving members three days to read and review the legislation, which you can read in full below.
Disaster Offset and Government Efficiency Act by Jennifer Van Laar on Scribd
